‘I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge.’

After 36 years in the RAF, Jonathan Tanner is now the Dangerous Dogs Operation Manager with Nottinghamshire Police.

What was your background before joining Nottinghamshire Police?

Before joining Nottinghamshire Police, I spent 36 years in the Royal Air Force as a Police Dog Handler. Throughout my career I progressed through the ranks, gained various qualifications and developed extensive experience. I worked across a number of areas including protection, drugs detection, arms and explosives detection and digital media detection. My digital media detection dog, Hertz, was the first and only dog of its kind in the British Armed Forces and was subsequently awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal in 2022 for our work in Afghanistan.

I Served around the UK as well as in Cyprus and Belize, and I was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan for Operational Service. I left the Royal Air Force in April 2024 at the rank of Warrant Officer, having spent the previous four years in the role of Chief Instructor in the Canine Training Squadron at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray.

What attracted you to join Nottinghamshire Police?

I live in Nottingham with my wife and family, so the idea of finding a role that was local, after spending so much time away from home was very appealing to me.

When the kennel and dangerous dogs’ operations manager role was advertised, I jumped at the chance to apply, particularly because it also aligned with the end of my Royal Air Force contract. The role stood out due to its exciting job description but also because the dangerous dogs side of the role appeared to offer something different to kennel management roles that I have held in the past. I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, so I applied and was lucky enough to be offered the position.

What skills from your Military career have been most valuable to you in policing?

Due to working alongside operational dog handlers and supporting ongoing investigations, I frequently call on many of the attributes that I found useful throughout my Military career. The ability to operate as part of a small, but highly motivated and skilled team is key to success in my job. Being able to understand the bigger picture and keep an end goal in mind also helps, and sometimes even the little frustrations that may be distracting are worthwhile, if the job is brought to completion.

My previous experience in managing very large operational dog sections means that I am able to manage my small team of kennel staff with more confidence, thanks to the experiences I have had over the last three decades.  

What skills or experiences have you gained since working there?

Last year, I qualified as a dog legislation officer which has enabled me to play an even greater role in the processing of dogs seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act. I’m responsible for assessing the dogs to determine their breed or type, submitting statements, and where appropriate, appearing in court to deliver evidence.

These responsibilities have been invaluable in broadening my professional experience and expanding my skillset.

What are the benefits of working for Nottinghamshire Police?

I’m incredibly grateful to have found a role that I enjoy as much as this one. After an already fantastic career in the Royal Air Force, I feel incredibly fortunate to be in another role that I absolutely love. The team ethic matches exactly what I experienced in the RAF, and to work with people who genuinely care about their role and the wider community is fantastic.

I’ve been made to feel extremely welcome, and I believe that the work I have done, and will continue to do, is valued and appreciated by the colleagues that I work alongside, as well as by the wider chain of command. 

For further information regarding opportunities with Nottinghamshire Police,
please visit:
www.nottinghamshire.police.uk